The “Cable Bypass:” CBS Creates An On-Demand Broadband News Network

By Brian 

In creating a “24-hour news network,” CBS is not following in ABC’s footsteps by launching hours of live programming. CBS will allow users to “build their own newscast,” choosing from “exclusive Web content, the current day’s CBS News broadcasts, its archive of more than 25,000 news pieces, or in many cases, video that has yet to be broadcast.”

The press release promises “true integration between CBS News and CBSNews.com staffed by reporters committed to 24-hour news delivery.” What does that mean? It means that correspondents “will file, update and expand their stories” throughout the day.

> White House correspondents John Roberts, Bill Plante and Mark Knoller will produce weekly features. (It sounds like MSNBC.com’s White House Beat.) The Early Show anchors will also provide online programming.

> CBS is betting that in the next five years, “the broadband delivery system will dramatically improve, resulting in a viewing experience equal to television.”

> CBS News VP for business development Betsy Morgan is moving to the new Digital Media division as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the new CBSNews.com.

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